Stoke manager Tony Pulis will tell his players they cannot afford to be intimidated by Manchester City and must take the game to their opponents in FA Cup fifth-round tie.
The Potters boss believes some of his squad still have something of an inferiority complex when it comes to tackling the bigger teams of the Barclays Premier League. But in a cup competition all that matters is winning and Pulis intends to attack Roberto Mancini's side from the off.
"I am looking to pick a positive team and go there to have a right go," he said. "It is very important we go there and be positive and the team I pick is not overawed by the occasion or the players they are playing against."
He added: "I think we have gone to one or two grounds and been a little bit in awe still this year.
"But our away performances have been a lot better than last year and the only way to break the taboo is by winning.
"I'm sure the last thing Roberto Mancini wants - and we all want - is a draw so it's 'gloves off' because I think both sides will want a result one way or the other."
Despite having beaten Arsenal in the last round Pulis said his side are still second favourites against City.
He feels Mancini's players will be under some pressure to win a trophy this season, having already missed out on the Carling Cup final, because of the huge financial investment made by their Abu Dhabi-based owners.
"It's going to be very difficult for us in a game against one of the richest clubs in the world," he said. "But Manchester City have spent an absolute fortune on players and they will be expecting a return for that investment.
"They've got two chances to do that by winning the cup or qualifying for the Champions League so there is that pressure on them, whereas we're the underdogs and we're looking forward to it."
Source: PA
